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20th December 2011
A Helping Hand For Those Who Need It
For many elderly veterans living alone, loneliness and isolation is their reward for the sacrifices they made for their country.
The RAF Association has a UK-wide network of over 550 voluntary welfare officers who actively seek out ex-RAF personnel and their families in need of support.
Each year they undertake almost 25,000 home and hospital visits and this is only possible as a result of funds raised from RAF Association members and the generosity of the public.
Hilary Janes is a member of the Leicester Central RAF Association branch and has been Assistant Honorary Welfare Officer for the past two-and-a-half years.
Her father, brother and husband were all in the RAF and a lot of her early life revolved around RAF stations.
She said: “The RAF Association is about friendship, help and support and that is what we try to achieve. We visit the elderly ex-service people at home and we work with the RAF Benevolent Fund where people on low incomes need help. This can mean funding for a short welfare break at one of our homes which are run like small hotels with extra facilities for care.
“It is wonderful to meet people after they have had one of these breaks. They have a lovely time and it makes a huge difference to those who might not otherwise get away. We also apply for grants for a range of needs where other funding is not available and there is the huge reward when something is done which changes people’s lives for the better.
“Many of the people I visit are war veterans or older service widows. I really enjoy hearing their stories, to me it is a real privilege. One lady said when I call it makes her feel she is not forgotten. We have our comic moments too.
“I’m not as old as most people I see, but I’m no spring chicken either, and this is not a problem because I can still relate to the culture and experiences of an older generation. Equally they can really enjoy a younger face to brighten things up. What matters is respect for the people you visit and a professional attitude towards confidentiality.
“I love what I do and would recommend it to anyone who would like to do something truly rewarding.”
The RAF Association is looking for more volunteers of all ages to carry out this rewarding and vital role. If you would like to become a welfare volunteer, please visit, www.rafa.org.uk/volunteer or call 0116 2688774 to find out more.
If you have served in the RAF and have any welfare requirements, please give the RAF Association a call on 0116 2688774.
For more information about The RAF Association, visit their website: http://www.rafa.org.uk/
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Benevolence , Care , Charities , Events , Member News , News , RAF , Social , Veterans , Welfare
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